Discussion Question: In your…

Discussion Question: In your experience, are enhanced development standards applied consistently across municipalities? Please provide examples where possible.

Response:
- Green development standards (GDS) provide the framework for healthy, equitable and environmentally sustainable communities. Where neighbouring municipalities have collaborated to align GDS, greater consistency and success is achieved. Providing a provincial framework for GDS would ensure greater consistency across the province, while ensure climate and environmental protection for healthy communities. https://www.cleanairpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Municipa…

Discussion Question: What types of standards, should municipalities be allowed to apply outside of buildings and how do these requirements maintain the health and safety of the site if at all?

Response:
- Municipalities should be allowed to apply green development standards (GDS) outside of the building of buildings to improve community climate resiliency at the local level, and to help mitigate and adapt to climate change through measures such as low-impact development (LID) e.g., bioswales, permeable pavement, green roofs, rain gardens. The Provincial government could ensure greater consistency and standardization by incentivizing GDS and LID measures, while achieving multiple co-benefits including climate mitigation and adaptation, improved indoor and outdoor air quality, increased assess to nature, and healthier lifestyles

As noted, the Provincial Planning Statement, 2024 (PPS) supports GDS and LID by directing planning authorities to “plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare for the impacts of a changing climate, including through approaches that promote green infrastructure, low impact development, and active transportation.”